MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — More than 100 patrons of the new Chick-fil-A on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro awoke in the parking lot to the sound of a trumpet player as they lined up to receive a year’s supply of food from the restaurant chain.

“People were in really good spirits when they woke up. When you’re woken up by a trumpet playing, you never know how it will go. But we gave out confetti holders they shot in the air … and did a countdown,” said Jill Kemp, public relations spokeswoman for Chick-fil-A. “Most campers I talked to said it’s been a long time coming. I think people were … happy to have this new locations.”

Dozens of tents, and a few tentless sleepers, packed the parking lot during the 24 hours preceding the much-anticipated grand opening of Rutherford County’s newest Chick-fil-A location. Only 100 adults took home the prize of 52 free meals, although seven alternates stayed on the off-chance someone would leave, Kemp said.

“It was a block party for 24 hours. My kids came after school and had a blast. Even though we only won about $700 worth of free food, the memories with the kids were priceless,” said Dave Weill, who showed up at 6 a.m. Tuesday to stake his spot.

His wife, Trish Weill, brought their four children after school to join him. Although Dave Weill was one of the first to set up camp, his wife was the first alternate. However, two people left the lineup, making her No. 99 on the list to make it onto the first 100 patrons to get 52 free meals for a year.

Trish Weill said the family really enjoyed their time together at the campout.

“(Throughout the night) they do all kinds of different games. … They served breakfast, lunch and dinner and set out water for people. … Some people even brought heaters and others brought their own games.”

Campers had to come prepared for the entire night. Once you were on site, you couldn’t even leave to go to your car, or you’d be disqualified, Trish Weill said. The eatery was open for patrons to go to the bathroom. But other than that, it was an all-nighter, she said.

Dave Weill was one of the first campers to stake his spot for the grand opening of Chick-fil-A on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro.(Photo: Submitted)

“You could have friends come and they can bring you stuff, but they couldn’t stay,” Trish Weill said.

Although temperatures dipped near freezing overnight, Trish Weill said the fun they had was worth the effort.

“It’s our favorite place to eat … and I used to work there in college,” Trish Weill said.